A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
Even when we say someone is “a good singer,” that can mean many different things.
They might have astonishingly steady pitch, a superhuman vocal range, exquisite sense of rhythm, or a truly overwhelming voice.
This time, I’ve picked out female singers who are widely regarded as “great” from various angles like these, as well as female singers who, from my years of experience as a vocal producer and voice coach, make me think, “She’s outstanding!”
Of course, a singer’s appeal doesn’t necessarily lie only in technical skill.
But every now and then, isn’t it nice to listen with a focus on “skill”?
I hope this will be helpful for those who aspire to become singers as well.
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Great singers. Japanese female vocalists with high singing ability (131–140)
UFOpinku redii
This was Pink Lady’s sixth single, released in December 1977.
Among the string of hits they produced during their massive boom, this was their biggest, and its impact was enormous.
If you were in your late 40s to around 50 as of 2020, you probably remember scenes of almost all the girls in your class singing and dancing to this song (lol).
Although Pink Lady was treated purely as an idol group at the time, their vocal ability—foundational technique as well as expressive singing—was remarkable.
It’s one of those songs that offers a glimpse into the high level of talent among Showa-era idols.
feel my soul ～2012 ver.～YUI
YUI’s first single, released in February 2005.
At the time of this release she was still only 17.
While her vocals aren’t the kind that overwhelm you like a full-fledged powerhouse singer, she delivers a very steady performance that uses her “youth” as a strength, revealing how capable she already was.
It’s a track aspiring singers should definitely take as a reference.
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LiSA captivates many listeners with her clear, translucent vocals and powerful expressiveness.
Born in Gifu Prefecture, she studied piano from a young age and started performing in a band during high school.
She debuted in 2010 as the vocalist of an in-anime band and launched her solo career in 2011 with the album “Letters to U.” By providing theme songs for popular anime, she has drawn attention with her overwhelming vocal ability and performance.
In 2020, she won the Japan Record Award, and in 2021, she received the JASRAC Award for Domestic Works.
While rooted in pop rock, her distinctive appeal lies in a unique world that combines delicate nuance with a powerful singing voice.
Known for energetic live performances, she is highly recommended for those who want to be moved by emotionally resonant vocals.
SakuraMyuk
Singer-songwriter Myuk captivates listeners with her crystal-clear voice and delicate expressiveness.
While rooted in pop, she weaves in elements of electronica and alternative music to create a distinctive sound that appeals to a wide audience.
After making her major debut in 2021, she drew significant attention when she was selected to perform the ending theme for a popular anime.
A dedicated artist, she has studied piano and guitar since childhood and honed her craft at local live venues.
She actively shares updates via social media and video platforms, bringing her closer to fans both in Japan and abroad.
Her songs, marked by a transparent vocal quality and lyrics that depict everyday scenes, leave a lingering resonance that touches the heart.
She is highly recommended for those who wish to be quietly soothed by a delicate singing voice.
Thoughts and feelings toward loveaiko
Aiko is known as a singer-songwriter distinguished by her nuanced emotional expression and husky singing voice.
Centered around pop and rock, she continues to captivate many listeners with songs that weave in delicate emotions.
She made her major debut in 1998 and has maintained a strong presence in the J-pop scene ever since.
Her 2000 release sold over 500,000 copies, and at the end of that year she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Characterized by simple arrangements using guitar and piano and a powerful voice that sings of love, she has also been nominated for the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Awards.
Her songs, which express the joys and sorrows of romance from a unique perspective, resonate deeply and evoke strong empathy alongside her moving vocals.
She is highly recommended for anyone seeking music that stays close to heartfelt, down-to-earth emotions.
seesawtuki.
Singer-songwriter tuki., whose transparent vocals and delicate singing technique are bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.
They began their music career in 2022 and have gained popularity through posts on YouTube and TikTok.
While rooted in J-pop, they have built a unique world with simple yet powerful melodies and striking lyrics.
Their mysterious style of performing without revealing their face has also drawn attention, and in December 2023, a collaboration with popular singer Yuuri surpassed 20 million views—an impressive achievement.
In January 2024, they appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and were also selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024,” marking them as a shining, highly skilled young artist of the moment.
With clear vocals and songs that resonate with the heart, they’re especially recommended for those who want to soothe their soul on a quiet night.
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Tota is a bedroom artist with a diverse musical palette, ranging from indie rock to synth-pop.
They began their online activities in February 2021 and have been gaining attention primarily through social media.
In 2023, they provided the tie-in song for Kanro’s Pure Gummy web commercial.
Their own tracks have also earned overwhelming support from younger listeners, with more than 400 million plays on TikTok.
Their appeal lies in a distinctive husky voice—powerful yet transparent—and poetic word choice.
On the album “oidaki,” philosophical lyrics blend beautifully with tracks that evoke elements of bedroom pop.
In October 2023, they held their first solo live show at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo, drawing attention as a live performer as well.
Tota is an artist recommended for those seeking solace in delicate lyrics and a uniquely compelling voice.